The Women's Summit brings together a diverse group of respected industry leaders, executives, and practitioners who are passionate about advancing women in insurance.
Our speakers represent carriers, agencies, associations, and service organizations—each offering unique perspectives and real-world experience.
Belma Medeiros
Founder and CEO
BellTrust Insurance
Belma is the Founder and CEO of BellTrust Insurance, a rapidly growing independent agency recognized for its customer-centric culture, multilingual service, and innovative approach to insurance. With over 20 years of experience in the insurance industry, she has held a variety of technical and leadership roles at Travelers Insurance, specializing in auto and property lines and driving operational excellence across multiple divisions.
Her background in Electrical Engineering, combined with executive education at Harvard University, equips her with a rare balance of analytical precision and strategic vision. This foundation shapes her leadership philosophy — blending technology, process improvement, and empathy to deliver exceptional customer experiences.
Under Belma’s leadership, BellTrust has grown to serve 1,500+ clients in its first two years and continues to expand through digital transformation, community education, and a purpose‑driven culture that reflects the communities it serves.
Belma’s vision is to redefine the insurance experience through trust, education, and compassion—ensuring every client, partner, and team member feels seen, protected, and valued
Erin Schaaf
Agency Performance Consultant
MAIA
Erin has more than three decades of experience working with Massachusetts agencies to improve efficiency, compliance, and profitability. Whether in agencies or carriers, each of Erin’s roles has focused on what agents want and need to succeed.
Jocelyn Oliveira
First Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
BayCoast Insurance
Jocelyn Oliveira serves as First Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of BayCoast
Insurance, where she oversees all operational functions of the agency across eight
locations. With a career in insurance that began in 2006, and her tenure at BayCoast
Insurance starting in 2011, Jocelyn plays a critical role in driving operational excellence,
efficiency, and strategic execution throughout the organization.
As Chief Operating Officer, Jocelyn provides leadership across all lines of business and
departments, including personal and commercial lines operations, client service, staffing,
process improvement, and technology initiatives. She is instrumental in aligning day-to-day
operations with the agency’s long-term strategic goals, ensuring consistency, scalability, and
a high standard of service across the organization.
Licensed in Property & Casualty Insurance, Jocelyn holds several professional designations,
including Certified Insurance Services Representative (CISR) Elite, Certified Professional in
Personal Lines (CPPL) and Certified Professional Insurance Agent (CPIA). She has been a
key driver of process improvement initiatives and operational enhancements, and is widely
regarded as a trusted advisor within the insurance industry.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Jocelyn is a graduate of the Leadership
South Coast Program, which further strengthened her leadership and community
engagement skills. She currently serves as President of the Board of Directors for
Samaritans South Coast, a nonprofit organization dedicated to suicide prevention and
community support. Jocelyn is also an active member of the Bristol Chapter of The
Massachusetts Association of Insurance Women (MAIW) and remains committed to giving
back to the community.
Jocelyn resides in Swansea with her husband. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time
with her family and unwinds by raising chickens, a lighthearted pursuit that provides both
balance and enjoyment.
Kasey Connors
Executive Director of the Agents Council for Technology
IIABA
Kasey Connors is the Executive Director of the Agents Council for Technology (ACT), where she brings together independent agents, insurance carriers, and technology providers to reduce friction and advance practical technology adoption. She has more than 15 years of experience in association leadership and marketing, including eight years in the insurance industry supporting independent agents. Kasey is known for translating complex topics like AI, data, and connectivity into actionable guidance and holds an MBA and the Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation.
Laura Poulin
Director of Curriculum & Technical Affairs
MAIA
For over 35 years, Laura has worked in the Independent Insurance Agency system, advancing through roles that include serving clients, marketing insurance programs, and supervising, training, and mentoring her peers. Throughout her career, Laura has become well known as a resource for providing insight, guidance and technical insurance expertise to complex inquiries and situations. Her proven ability to read, analyze and interpret policy language and effectively translate and communicate her responses to others has earned her a level of credibility with her Peers. Throughout her career, Laura has been teaching and developing insurance professionals - everything from agency processes, agency management systems, to insurance coverages. Laura is excited about the opportunity to formally apply her extensive knowledge of unique learning styles and ideal learning environments. She recently joined MAIA. Over the preceding 15 years, Laura worked at Eastern Insurance Group, earning acceptance into the President's Club, their most prestigious award.
“To be successful, it is necessary to take our careers seriously, which includes the development of our talents and skills. But that doesn’t mean insurance has to be mundane. It is vital to engage in and enjoy not only the process of learning, teaching, and working, but the people as well.”
Mabelyn Lopez
Agency Owner
4 Insurance, LLC.
Mabelyn, a trailblazer in the insurance industry, recognized a significant gap: the lack of education for consumers, especially within the local Hispanic community. Armed with over two decades of experience, she embarked on a mission to demystify insurance and empower her clients.
Her passion led her to establish 4 Insurance LLC in 2021, a certified minority- and woman-owned independent agency. Mabelyn’s commitment extends beyond mere transactions; she guides and educates clients through the process, ensuring they grasp the intricacies of their coverage. The language barrier that often plagues the Hispanic community becomes a bridge under her guidance.
With her headquarters located within the Enterprise Center, a Salem State University business resource center for entrepreneurs and small business owners, services are offered in multiple languages, 4 Insurance caters to diverse needs. From home and auto insurance to professional liability and workers’ compensation, Mabelyn’s agency secures the best deals for clients across various industries.
Beyond accolades like winning the All-Star Agent Award with the Massachusetts Association of Insurance Agents and Business Woman of the Year from the North Shore Latino Business Association, Mabelyn actively serves on boards, mentors, and influences her industry and community. Her legacy isn’t just about policies; it’s about empowerment and understanding.
Maureen Hassett
Senior HR Generalist
Mapfre Insurance
Maureen Hassett is a Senior HR Generalist at Mapfre Insurance and brings nearly four decades of experience across leadership, employee experience, and talent development. After spending many years in leadership roles, Maureen transitioned into Human Resources in December 2021, where she continues to focus on learning, engagement, and supporting employees and leaders through meaningful growth and change. She currently leads Mapfre’s Women’s Leadership Network and is deeply passionate about supporting both emerging and current leaders as they develop personally and professionally.
Throughout her career, Maureen has been deeply committed to creating workplaces where people feel confident, capable, and valued. Her approach to building authentic confidence is grounded in self-awareness, lived experience, and practical reflection, helping individuals lead and show up as themselves rather than chasing perfection.
Rhonda Prokos, Esq.
Deputy General Counsel
Arbella Insurance Group
Rhonda Prokos joined Arbella as a Claim fraud attorney in the Special Investigative Unit. She later left the Claims department to support the CEO on special projects and legal issues. In this role, she began working with the various business units and honing her expertise in contracts and intellectual property law.
In her current position as Deputy General Counsel, Rhonda provides legal advice and counsel to all departments, with a particular emphasis on IT vendor relations, contract negotiation, the protection of Arbella’s intellectual property, and legal issues surrounding AI usage. Rhonda supports Personal and Commercial Lines on regulatory matters and product filings. She partners extensively with Corporate Communications, providing legal support and approval of Arbella’s advertising and social media campaigns. She provides counsel to Operations and Marketing on matters concerning billing, policy administration, agency matters, marketing and call centers.
Prior to joining Arbella, Rhonda practiced with a Boston-based insurance defense firm. She earned a BS in criminal justice from Northeastern University and worked as a private investigator in New York and Boston before graduating from Suffolk Law School.
Rhonda is also on the board of Interfaith Social Services, which runs the largest food pantry on the south shore. She is also a mentor for Me & My CommUNITY, an Orlando-based mentoring program offering young women the opportunity to work with female leaders to solve community issues. She lives with her husband and has three grown children.
Susan Cook
Senior Manager, General Liability Product Development
Verisk
Susan Cook is the Senior Manager for Verisk’s Commercial General Liability Product Development Team, managing General Liability, Umbrella, Excess Liability and Medical Professional lines and managing a team of four. She is also the current President of the CPCU Society's Boston Chapter.
Susan began her insurance career in 1986 as a personal lines underwriter trainee at Aetna Property & Casualty's Brockton office, advancing to the role of Field Underwriter and obtaining her MBA. In 1992, she took a Marketing Representative/Analyst role with Holyoke Mutual Insurance Company in Salem, where she managed the southeastern MA and RI territory. She advanced through several promotions to the role of Vice President of Marketing and Sales over her 16-year tenure with Holyoke Mutual, started her family and her CPCU designation. During her time with Holyoke Mutual, Susan was also a member of the 1752 Club and its President. In 2006, Susan joined AIG's Lexington Insurance Programs Division in Boston, where she advanced through various roles to Casualty Product Officer. She attained her CPCU designation in 2011. In 2022, Susan accepted a newly created role within the larger AIG organization as Casualty Product Officer for North America, managing the General Liability, Commercial Auto, and Workers’ Compensation lines, with three teams reporting to her. In this role, she managed AIG's adoption of ISO and WC products (NCCI/state bureaus) and was a member of the Governing Board of WCRIB-MA.
Tricia Sabulis
Vice President
A.P. Michaud Insurance Agency, Inc.
Tricia is Vice President of her family's insurance agency, A.P. Michaud Insurance Agency, Inc., where she specializes in Personal and Commercial Insurance.
Besides being a leader in her agency, she is also a leader in the industry as a member of the Massachusetts Association of Insurance Agents Board of Directors, working with other agents to bring awareness to the next generation about the insurance industry and its rewarding careers, legislature to improve coverage limits to protect MA residents, and education for Independent Agents.
Tricia is very involved in the Merrimack Valley community and currently sits on multiple boards, including the Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Professional Center for Child Development. She has received numerous awards for her community service and leadership, and has been honored to receive the Merrimack Valley Magazine's Top 40 Under 40, a Lawrence YWCA Tribute to Women, Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce's Next Generation Leader Award and Women in Business Award.
All of her spare time is spent surrounded by family with her husband, Mike, and daughters, Hannah and Nola.
Brooke Liu
Senior Vice President
MarshBerry
Brooke Liu's exceptional client service, leadership, and laser-like focus on results have contributed to her many successes since she joined MarshBerry in 2016. In her current role as Senior Vice President, Brooke’s collaborative guidance and industry expertise are essential for overseeing the company’s many growth assets.
Brooke’s operational expertise, product development experience, and servant leadership style are instrumental in helping MarshBerry clients achieve their growth goals through the invaluable MarshBerry programs, such as Connect executive peer exchange.
In 2019, Brooke earned the title of Business Insurance Young Gun for her talent acquisition and retention expertise and holds the MarshBerry record for hiring the most producers in one year.
Her other accolades include a SPARK Award for thought leadership content and Rookie of the Year 2018 for business development. Brooke is a frequent contributor to MarshBerry’s blog – Today’s ViewPoint and is a frequent presenter at insurance industry events and professional organizations.
Before joining MarshBerry, Brooke served as a Corporate Project Manager and HR Specialist at Acrisure, overseeing agency partner acquisition, integration, and talent development. She holds degrees in Psychology and Anthropology from Grand Valley State University, including a Human Resources post-baccalaureate degree and an MBA in strategic management from Davenport University. She recently served on the Association for Human Resource Management (SHRM) board of directors as Director of College Relations and is a former SHRM Young Professional Advisory Council representative.
Brooke enjoys exploring Michigan’s beaches and snowy hills. She is also a devoted supporter of the arts, such as the Grand Rapids Ballet Company and the Grand Rapids Art Museum.
Heather Smith
President
Salem Five Insurance Services, LLC
Heather Smith brings over 25 years of experience in the insurance industry to her role as President of Salem Five Insurance. Known for her strategic vision and empowering leadership style, Heather has built a reputation for driving growth, enhancing profitability, and developing top-performing teams. Her career spans key roles across the industry, including claims, underwriting, and executive leadership. Heather previously served as COO of an MGA specializing in program business for Loggers, and most recently held the position of Zone Vice President for New England at Hanover Insurance, where she delivered strong financial results and strengthened critical partnerships.
Heather studied Business at the University of Maine, completed advanced leadership training at Harvard Business School, and earned her Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation. Passionate about community engagement and mentorship, Heather is committed to fostering collaborative cultures and supporting emerging leaders. Outside of work, she enjoys time with her family, attending concerts, running road races, and hiking.
Karin Martin
Assistant Vice President, Head of Operations
Arbella Insurance Group
Karin Martin began her career at Arbella in Billing and Commissions in 1992. Since then, she has been promoted numerous times in various roles across the organization, predominantly in Operations. Karin also held the role of IT director for over five years, serving as a business liaison to all Arbella business functions and ensuring strategic IT business goals were achieved.
Karin plays a strategic role within the business by leading the delivery of Arbella’s omnichannel strategy. She sets the standards for customer-facing service areas and ensures that all goals and KPIs are met. Karin’s responsibilities include the oversight of all customer contact centers, including our Claim Service Center, the Arbella Service Center, and Customer Service.
As a business liaison to all company departments, Karin provides product and guideline support to Underwriting and delivers operational service and support for both personal and commercial markets. She also oversees billing, commissions, and all other transactional systems.
Karin holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from New England College of Business and has achieved the following designations: General Insurance (INS), Information Technology (AIT), Insurance Services (AIT), Supervisory Management (SM), and Claims (CLAIM). Karin is a Licensed Producer in Massachusetts and Connecticut.
Laura Henderson
VP of Insurance Portfolio Management
SIAA, Inc.
Laura Henderson serves as the VP of Insurance Portfolio Management for SIAA, Inc. Henderson joined SIAA in 2015. Established in 1995, SIAA (Strategic Insurance Agency Alliance) has evolved into the largest alliance of independent insurance agencies in the country.
With a robust background in insurance, Henderson is responsible for profitability standards throughout the SIAA marketplace. She works in concert with strategic partner carriers to monitor results and identify trends to improve profitability. Henderson brings a wide array of industry experience to her position, including her deep understanding of risk management, analytics, strategic operations, and profitability metrics.
In her spare time, Henderson is a part-time adjunct professor at Cambridge College, Boston, MA, where she teaches HR management, strategic organization, and other business management courses. She is the current and past Co-Director of the Essex/Middlesex Chapter of the Massachusetts Association of Insurance Women (MAIW). She was named the 2021“Member of the Year” - recognized for her tireless leadership, dedication, and mentorship.
Henderson earned her undergraduate degree in business management in 2014 and her MBA from Cambridge College in 2016, where she proudly serves on the alumni council. She recently completed the Yale Women’s Executive Leadership Program and earned her CPIA designation from the American Insurance Marketing and Sales Society.
Luke Bills
President, Independent Agent Distribution US, Retail Markets
Liberty Mutual Insurance
Luke currently serves as the President, Independent Agent Distribution for Liberty’s US Retail Markets business unit. In his current role, Luke is responsible for the independent agency distribution management of all products and lines of business for Liberty’s USRM business unit, including $20B+ of premium through the Liberty Mutual, Safeco, and State Auto brands. Prior to his current role, Luke served as the Chief Product Officer for the US operations of Liberty’s Global Retail Markets business unit, including responsibilities for all aspects of Product and Underwriting for Liberty’s US personal lines and small commercial business, distributed through all channels.
Luke has been at Liberty for over 21 years, after beginning his insurance career at AIG. Luke is a graduate of Millikin University in Decatur, IL. Luke also received his MBA from the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University and holds the CPCU designation.
Mary Golden
Agency Manager
Number One Insurance Agency
Mary Golden serves as the Agency Manager for the Number One Insurance Agency, Inc., a subsidiary of the Massachusetts Association of Insurance Agents. She brings extensive experience in management and operations, including her prior role as an Underwriting Supervisor at a Massachusetts P&C carrier. A dedicated lifelong learner, Mary holds multiple professional designations, including CPCU and CIC. In her leadership role, she is committed to supporting the agency’s mission of delivering client‑focused solutions that meet the evolving needs of members and their customers.
Mika De Young
Broker Placement Director – New England Area Executive Vice President
Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services, LLC
Mika De Young has over 25 years of commercial lines experience in the insurance industry. Prior to joining Arthur J. Gallagher in 2004 (acquired Eastern Insurance Group in 2023), she previously held positions at Woodruff-Sawyer & Co (San Francisco, CA) and USI/Hastings-Tapley (Woburn, MA).
In her current role, Mika is focused on organic growth and oversees the new business placement team. Additionally, she manages property and casualty insurance carrier relationships as well as oversees the branch’s specialty Surety team. Mika represents the New England branch on several insurance company council advisory groups.
Mika is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology. She holds the Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) professional designation.
Mika resides in Acton, MA, with her family.
Shelley Zicolella
Director of Massachusetts Operations
SmithBrothers
With more than 40 years in the insurance industry, Shelley has built a career defined by sustained growth, strategic leadership, and a consistent ability to identify and capitalize on new business opportunities. Her expertise spans personal and commercial lines, claims, and multi-vertical operations, positioning her as a well-rounded and forward-thinking leader. As Director of Massachusetts Operations for Smith Brothers Insurance, she continues to drive performance through disciplined execution and a client-centered approach.
Prior to her current role, Shelley spent 30+ years as Vice President of G.M. Abodeely Insurance Agency, where she was instrumental in scaling the organization’s growth and profitability. She developed and executed long-term strategies that expanded the agency’s book of business while strengthening carrier partnerships. A key driver of her success was her ability to recruit, develop, and retain high-performing teams. She fostered a culture of accountability and engagement, resulting in strong employee tenure and consistent operational excellence across multiple locations.
Shelley also played a pivotal role in multiple mergers and acquisitions, leading the seamless integration of new teams while preserving organizational culture and ensuring business continuity. Her leadership during these transitions emphasized alignment, communication, and retention—enabling acquired teams to thrive and contribute to ongoing success.
Known for her empowering leadership style, Shelley prioritizes collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. She is deeply committed to refining processes, managing risk effectively, and delivering a superior client experience, all while cultivating a workplace culture grounded in purpose and support.
Outside of her professional work, Shelley is actively involved in community outreach and charitable initiatives. Shelley enjoys spending meaningful time with her family.
Tania Blanco
Agency Owner
Blanco Insurance
Tania V. Blanco has been in the insurance business for over 16 years, starting as a sales producer in NC, providing personal and business insurance solutions for customers. She moved back home to MA in 2011 and has spent most of her career solving life insurance needs for families. Her passion is to serve underserved markets in the community that so often do not have the necessary advice to make impactful and educated insurance decisions that have serious impacts. And she enjoys helping people choose the best possible plans to help them feel more secure about their financial plans.
In her current role, as an independent agency owner, Tania can see where personal relationships with customers can provide wholistic insurance solutions for the needs of her community. Tania’s passion for insurance comes from knowing that she can protect people and their families. She offers a wide range of services, including home insurance, auto insurance, life insurance, and business insurance.
Tania is an avid networker and advocates for women’s representation in business. She is also a past winner of the Small Business of the Year and Ambassador of the Year for the MetroWest Chamber of Commerce, where she has been invited to join the board.
Wesley Hyatt
Global Chief Client Officer, Global Risk Solutions
Liberty Mutual Insurance
As Global Chief Client Officer, Wesley oversees the teams that identify and address the evolving risks facing mid-size and large clients, ensuring seamless access to Liberty Mutual’s broad suite of global products and services across the $23B commercial and specialty business. She leads the global client community, bringing together client leaders across regions to align solutions, share insights, and deepen strategic partnerships.
Wes has played a key role in making Liberty Mutual a client-centric company. She chairs Liberty’s client advisory board and helps build community among clients at Liberty’s annual Premier Client Summit and regional client forums. She is also the executive sponsor of Liberty’s “Corporate Resilience” initiative, which aims to support clients in adapting to an accelerating risk environment. In 2022, Wes helped launch Liberty's “Impact Change Series” to collectively address issues impacting commercial risk portfolios. She is a champion for integrating the voice of the customer into strategy and capability development and is credited with establishing a best-in-class client practice in full collaboration and support of brokers.
Over the past 22 years, Wes has held multiple leadership roles at Liberty. Most recently, she led the North America Client Engagement and Service teams before expanding her scope. As Senior Vice President of Workers Compensation Claims, she led efforts to enhance Liberty’s workers' compensation business for the benefit of clients and their injured workers. Elements of these initiatives were recognized with Business Insurance’s Innovation and Team of the Year awards. In 2019, Wes was named a Woman to Watch by Business Insurance, and in 2020, she was recognized as a Woman in Insurance Leadership by Digital Insurance. In 2021, she was named an Executive to Watch by Risk & Insurance.
Wes is the national co-chair of WE@Liberty’s Commerce Committee, a women’s network and advocacy group at Liberty Mutual. She earned a bachelor’s degree in American civilization from Middlebury College, where she also played basketball. Her love of the game continues as a youth coach and as an unwavering fan of the Boston Celtics and the WNBA.
